Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 30, 2025
Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing children to Jesus so that he would bless them. But the disciples scolded them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he grew angry and said to them, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children. 15 I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he hugged the children and blessed them.
Good Morning. Blessed are the children who enlighten our minds!
Out of the mouths of babes . . .
My greatest blessing from teaching was working with children, especially my youngest students. During my last few years of teaching, I ended my school day with my first graders and kindergarteners. No matter what had transpired before their arrival, they lifted my spirits and made me smile.
During one particularly rough year in my second year of teaching, I was tasked with starting my school day at the middle school teaching chorus. I will admit that being a middle school teacher was not my niche. Blessings to those who love and teach young teens. Often, I left the middle school in a mental and emotional funk.
My schedule at the elementary school began with kindergarten, so I went from eighth graders to five-year-olds. The kindergarten students arrived with bright, shining faces, eager to make a joyful noise. Of course, they lavished me with hugs when they came in and when they left. Those smiles and hugs were just the tonic for my weary spirit.
Imagine if we, as adults, could leave our earthly funk and grown-up pretentiousness at the door and approach our time with God with bright, shining faces, eager to make a joyful noise. Don’t suppress your inner child, for this is where the foundation of our love lives.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! You love us! When we are children, our minds are open to all possibilities. With each passing year, our minds become tainted by earthly things. Help us never lose our hopeful, loving thoughts. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Christ invites us to come to him like a child.
Embrace your inner child! Pastor Liz
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